Jane Sassaman is an accomplished quilter. Her name first stuck to my radar in 2000 when her quilt, Willow, was named one of the top 100 Quilts of the Century. That’s no small accomplishment, and it is only one of her many awards and accomplishments. So, when I was asked to review her new book, Patchwork Sassaman Style, and be part of the blog tour, I jumped at the chance.

I read the book front to back, intrigued by her use of large symmetrical prints. The drama in her quilts appears as if intricately pieced. Not so—just the creative cutting of large prints.

To show you the Sassaman Style Concept, I followed her early chapter where she stresses, Let the fabric do the work!

Entertaining results!

I enjoy reading other author’s writings and instructions. When I read Jane’s description of her fussy-cutting technique of symmetrical fabric prints, yielding Entertaining Results, I knew that this was a cutting technique to try, and then share.

Get to Know Jane!

A. That’s a BIG question. These days I make appliquéd art quilts with solid fabrics and pieced quilts from my Free Spirit fabrics. Even though they are very different techniques they relate to each other via subject matter, color palette, and yes, DRAMA. Drama comes from contrast… contrast in shape, color, scale, etc. I have aways been attracted to the contrast created by graphic shapes interacting with each other.

Q. What’s your favorite color palette?

A. That’s a nice way to phrase the question. Often people ask what is your favorite color, which is impossible to answer because colors work together. I love yellow and red together. I usually work in contrasting colors. If there is purple in a quilt or fabric, for example, it’s almost guaranteed that yellow or orange and green will be there, too. But, I need a regular fix of red, so it is a favorite.

Q. What’s one tip/technique that you wish every quilter knew?

A. Patience! I am always amazed how impatient sewers can be. This seems to be an oxymoron. To me, the point of stitching is for enjoyment. It’s not a race. It’s a meditative process between you and your materials.

Q. If you were not a quilter, author, and designer, what other occupation would you choose?

A. A librarian! I am a book fiend, especially art and picture books. I like doing design research.

Q. What fabric best describes you?

A. I’d say my favorite fabric, so far, is the Teasel and Lace design from the Prairie Gothic line. It combines so many elements that speak my language… the subject, the formality, and its gentle subversiveness.

Blog Tour Stops

Best for last—I wouldn’t go that far, but I am the last of the impressive quilting blogger line-up. Check out the other reviews of Patchwork Sassaman Style.

Leave a comment now through Monday, July 30, for a chance to win a copy of Jane’s book, Patchwork Sassaman Style. This is open to US entries only. Check back on Tuesday, July 31, to see if you’re the lucky winner.

Nancy Calhoon wrote: This book would be awesome to have. The majority of the 18 inch doll clothes that I sew go with Springfield dolls to a local battered women’s shelter as part of a Christmas project. Christmas 2010 I donated one doll, and in 2011 I donated two dolls. The dolls were African American dolls and each went with a complete wardrobe of clothes, shoes, and socks.

30-Minute Doll Clothes book by Nancy Zieman with Joan Hinds from Nancy’s Notions

Debbie Taft wrote: Beautiful clothes. My granddaughter would like me to help her make doll clothes. What a great book to use to teach her how to sew.

Amy in TX wrote: I bought the book as soon as I saw the show! It’s so well done, the clothes truly are quick and easy but look like they took a long time. My daughters and I are having a lot of fun making clothes for their dolls! I love the idea of the blog tour, I am enjoying seeing what others have done.

Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Fabric Pack (the fabrics featured in this posting) from Riley Blake Designs

Joan D. wrote: Nancy, I’m so glad for this 30-Minute Doll Clothes book and video. Like my grandaughters would say—Easy Peasy.

63 Comments

I would love the win Jane’s book. I love all of her fabrics and her quilts.

Michelle CostenJuly 26, 2012

I really appreciate the introduction to Patchwork Sassaman Style and I enjoyed the dialogue. I just recently made my first Bargello quilt, also introduced to me on Nancy’s blog and had so much fun putting that together. I first decided to make it with the materials I already had at home just to experience the process. Now I intend to make another one to enjoy assembling contrasting colors with kindred tones.
I will be adding this book to my library and look forward to making a Patchwork Sassaman quilt. I just love the beauty and the potential for the infinite number of designs that can be created with contrasting and unique colors and prints. There is an established harmony in contrast and to see and feel that out when in the process of making a quilt is to me, the whole reason for quilting. And I agree with Jane that patience is a key ingredient in quilting and in all that we do, as it allows one to be in the precious moment and witness the infinite unfolding of creation.

kayJuly 26, 2012

I would love to “let the fabric do the work.” And I would love to try Jane’s approach.

KarJuly 25, 2012

Thanks for the opportunity to win a fabulous book. I love fussy cutting and am going to give this quilt a try. Can’t wait to look through the book and see more of Jane’s designs and ideas.

Vickie V.July 25, 2012

Such fun! This book would certainly get you away from the ordinary piecing!

LaurelJuly 25, 2012

I’d love to win this book! I’m thinking about signing up for a class w/Jane next summer at Quilting by the Lake, where I just finished 5 days of fantastic classes with inspiring teachers. I’ve wanted to take one of her classes for years! This book would be a great intro for me, and also wonderful to have before class begins!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

ChrisJuly 25, 2012

I would love a book. Am very inspired by Jane’s work.

kathleenJuly 25, 2012

I am sort of sad to see the blog hop end as it was fun to see the different blogs along with all the talent that is included in them. Thanks for being part of the hop, I have watched your show for many years and am a better sewer for doing so.

“To me, the point of stitching is for enjoyment. It’s not a race. It’s a meditative process between you and your materials.”

I love that, and I need that, sometimes I focus too hard on the end product instead of the wonderful thing I am making.

Charlotte ThielJuly 24, 2012

How does a person have patience when there are so many new techniques, ideas, and fabric? I had never heard of Jane or knew of the fabrics, but I am anxious to try something new and bold. How exciting!

Gwen WindhamJuly 24, 2012

What a wonderful book!! I would love to win a copy– and if I’m not so lucky, I think I’ll have to add it to my wish list!! It looks like one that I would definitely use!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

Donna RaeJuly 24, 2012

After your directions I have to give this a try. And what would be better than having Jane Sassaman’s to learn so much more. Great review.

I am in love with Jane Sasserman’s technique. Being a real fan of bright colors, bold, intricate designs and fussy cutting to get just the right look for my quilt is important and exciting. I hope to win this book, but if not, will purchase it soon.

Thanks for the fabric and ruler demo. I am a Jane Sassaman fan and would love to win the book.

Kelly SasJuly 24, 2012

Oh I have a great fabric for this I got in Africa! I’ve been holding onto it waiting to find the right pattern – so excited now that I know!!! I would LOVE to win the book though because I feel a connection to Jane with having the last name of SASMAN. (how funny is that?!?)

Pat RiggJuly 24, 2012

I’ve never seen this type of patchwork, but the logical part of my brain finds it entirely delightful. I’d love to win a copy of Patchwork Sassaman Style, I’m a new quilter but I do love a challenge.

SandyJuly 24, 2012

I get more excited every time I see images from Jane’s book – can’t wait to get my hands on one.

Donna SJuly 24, 2012

Jane’s book looks as exciting as her fabrics! Can’t wait to take a look at it!

Ann ScottJuly 24, 2012

Wow, I think I can do it! Nancy, you make it look so do-able!!! With Jane’s book to guide my fabric choices, I think I could really make some quilts my daughters will enjoy!! For me the hardest part is visualizing the shapes together with the large scale prints… In the past I’ve been afraid to cut into fabric and take a leap of faith, so to speak. After following this blog- hop all month, I think I’m ready to do the “Sassaman”!

I have a print that would be perfect for this technique. The cover of this book is so inspirational!

Sharona ZaretJuly 24, 2012

Wow this quilt called “Willow” reminds me of my Great Grandmother’s quilt tops passed down to me. The colors are similar as well as the symetrical designs. These quiltops are made of material of the 30′s -50′s with some of the same color variations. “Happy House” , “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Drunkard’s Path” all three were made with large symetrical patterns that made them all unique. I must get ino the craft’s room and restore and finish these quilt tops! I would LOVE to add Jane’s new book to my library of Quilting books along side of Nancy’s!

Pat HerslJuly 24, 2012

It’s not just that the prints are large, it’s that they have such a unique and wonderful artistic quality to them. Love me some Sassaman.

Dell MartinezJuly 24, 2012

Now I know why I bought three yards of a large motif fabric. I never buy this kind of print! But, this will work for this technique. Thank you, Nancy!

Janice KingJuly 24, 2012

How interesting! As I am a fan of large prints also, it is so interesting to find new ways to use them. The interaction of the designs are amazing! Thanks for showing the detailed use of the pattern as I am a visual learner also. Lovely quilts.

Linda LadnerJuly 24, 2012

I have been a fan of Jane since I saw her on Simply Quilts many years ago. I love her large scale prints and use of color, and have been buying her fabric for years. I hope, hope, hope I win!!!

FloraJuly 24, 2012

Thanks for the tutorial and book review. Jane’s technique appears simple and fascinating. I can’t wait to try it. I’d love the opportunity to receive Patchwork Sassaman.

DianaJuly 24, 2012

I would love a chance to win the book. Jane’s big prints have always been an ispiration to me as I love the big prints and love finding new things to do with them. Doing simple shapes like half square triangles and seeing the outcome are just wonderful. Hopefully I’ll be the winner.

MarieJuly 24, 2012

I love looking at fabric patterns. Fussy cutting is so interesting. Cut up a design and rearrange it to be totally different – it’s painting with fabric. Would love to see the book on my bookshelf!

I already have the book! NOW I need the fabric! Patty, who wrote that she has the fabric and now needs the book and I should get together! This book inspires me. It is very well written with concise directions that a beginner could follow. And, as an experienced seamstress/quilter, it opens my eyes to a whole new world! Can’t wait to find a beautiful large scale fabric and make my own creations. I think there is an element of surprise piecing fabric this way. Ever since I was a little girl, I thought sewing was like magic! Jane’s piecing technique is magic!

Kristy YenkeyJuly 24, 2012

you show simple directions for a complex design.hope to win her book, many thanks, kristy yenkey

Sharon S...central OregonJuly 24, 2012

I’ve also been a Jane Sassaman fan for over a decade. Thanks for the opportunity to win Jane’s new book. The blog tour was fun…so many talented quilters to visit.

pattyJuly 24, 2012

I have a small stash of Jane’s fabrics and now I know what to do with them! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of her book!

DoloresJuly 24, 2012

I love this, looks simple, thank you for a chance to win a copy. Love your series 1 patch grandmother quilt on pbs.

Jan SJuly 24, 2012

Interesting to see how “fussy-cutting” yields a new pattern.

KateJuly 24, 2012

I love that she would be a librarian if she wasn’t doing this. So much I feel like people still pick some arty/crafty to do and she just wants to hang out with books all day. Awesome!

KathyJuly 24, 2012

LOVE blog tours. I always find such interesting sites, people and ideas and learn so much in the process. I just wish there were more hours available to do all that catches my interest.

DianeJuly 24, 2012

What fabulous colors and patterns! Thanks for the chance to win!

CeciliaJuly 24, 2012

This book looks very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

mrsmooreJuly 24, 2012

Thanks for showing the process! I am so intrigued by this book!

Diann CornellJuly 24, 2012

More and more I am growing to appreciate the boldness and large scale of Jane’s work.

BarbJuly 24, 2012

Jane’s book looks gorgeous. I’d love a copy!

Julie NJuly 24, 2012

I am so happy I stumble upon this blogspot! I am intrigued with Jane’s use of pattern and rulers. I will have to get my little-used rulers out and try this technique. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of her book.

ConnieJuly 24, 2012

Wow! Jane Sassaman’s prints are beautiful. What a fantastic book to compliment her fabrics. Thanks! Connie in California